Live music, stalls and fund-raising at Blackpool Carers Centre's CareFest 2018

Families, staff and volunteers gathered at the charity’s headquarters at Beaverbrooks House on Newton Drive, Blackpool, for the second festival-themed event on Friday, August 24.

The evening featured live entertainment, stalls, raffles and refreshments.

Although the Blackpool weather didn’t behave entirely, the guests were serenaded by a shower of tunes that entertained the whole family.

Faye Atherton, head of services at Blackpool Carers Centre, said: “We’re very grateful to all our guests, donors and performers.”

Smooth Chalk, Dawn Christy, Phil Swift, and Lucky Escape were among the entertainers on the bill.

Faye added: “There was a little bit of singing in the rain but nobody’s spirits were dampened and we were very happy to have raised £800 to make a better life for carers.”

Blackpool Carers Centre is an independent, local charity and network partner of Carers Trust.

It provides a range of services including emotional and practical support to meanwhile 1,000 local young people and 6,000 in total.

The charity has been shortlisted for a prestigious Children and Young People Now Awards 2018 for its Family Focus Project, which helps children whose parents have mental health problems or are battling substance misuse.

Faye Atherton added: “Our Family Focus project works with children and their families who are affected by parental mental ill health and substance misuse. 

“We work to improve the lives of these children by helping parents to navigate treatment options, establishing positive family routines and prioritising family time together. 

“The project works with families who are often ‘under the radar’ of other services. 

“We work alongside them to give children a break from caring whilst also working to understand the issues and instigate positive change. 

“For many of our families the project is vital to give them the time and space to be open about what needs to change and the confidence and skills to make those changes.”

The eventual winners will be chosen at an awards ceremony in London in November.

Chief executive Michelle Smith said: “We are thrilled and delighted to be chosen from amongst so many amazing projects.

“Family Focus has grown from a small pilot into a successful project, which supports carers in complex families by working with the family to create their own change.”

To learn more about the services available, refer someone to the service, become a volunteer or make a donation, visit www.blackpoolcarers.org or call (01253) 393748.